Schuey cautious over Sepang

The six-times champion waltzed away from the field in Melbourne, backed up by his team-mate Rubens Barrichello, but Schumacher sounded a note of caution, saying that Malaysia would reveal Ferrari's true form. He has re-emphasised his belief that his team was greatly aided by unusually cool conditions which proved perfect for the Ferrari and its Bridgestone tyres.

He has also admitted that Malaysia's Sepang circuit is not one of Ferrari's favourites. In last year's race, Ferrari's Bridgestones did not perform as well as expected and Renault's Fernando Alonso became the youngest ever pole position winner, while the Michelin-shod McLaren of Kimi Raikkonen won the race.

Schumacher said: "In Formula 1, things can change very rapidly and we shouldn't forget that we have always done well in Australia. Malaysia, as well as being a very difficult race, is also unpredictable because of the climate. It isn't one of our favourite tracks.

"At Sepang, we will be able to really understand what the set-up of the car is like and whether we can challenge for victory. For us, the season has opened well - things look promising. If, on the other hand, we get left behind in Malaysia, then things will become more difficult."

Schumacher believes that the strength of Ferrari in Malaysia will hinge on the performance of Bridgestone. After last week's four-day test in Valencia, Spain, Barrichello claimed he and the tyre manufacturer had found the perfect compound for the heat of Sepang and the following GP, Bahrain.

"I have to say that if the tyres function perfectly in the high temperatures, well things could be looking decidedly interesting," added Schumacher. "We will find out soon enough."